You’re Going to Stop Reading My Blog Soon

Yep, that’s right, you’re going to be moving on from The Sales Lion soon. It may be a few weeks. It may be a few years. Either way, I hope you’ll be able to take something with you no matter how long you stayed.

Me

I’m a completely different person than I was in November of 2009. Back then, I was a pool-guy who needed a platform, and that’s about all I knew.

I wrote about retail sales.

And in-home sales.

And other business stuff too.

But within months, I knew my passion was centered in other areas—namely inbound and content marketing.

Occasionally, I would interject personal development stuff too.

Regardless, the theme of TSL evolved and evolved and evolved—and it still does to this day as it reflects so much of where I am in business and life.

With each one of these changes, readers would come and readers would go, and that’s OK.

YOU

One of the reasons why it’s OK is because you’re changing as well. Many early readers of this blog have now changed their field, their passions, and their goals.

Some, although they’re still in marketing, have grown bored with my message, my style, or my shtick.

Others, simply don’t have the time.

Again, that’s OK.

When businesses and individuals start the process of blogging and producing content they often are paranoid with keeping readers, having everyone like them, and therefore defining their success metrics on empty numbers.

But I think with time and maturity we all go through a change in our focus, our values, and how we measure “true success.”

To grasp for a moment what I’m saying, just look at any blog you see in the “Articles that Roar” section in the sidebar to the right of this post. See how many comments those have? Yeah, they’ve got a bunch. But if you look at the commenters back then compared to the ones that swing by today, you’ll see that the majority of the past are no longer here today.

Yep, most don’t comment anymore.

People Change

This doesn’t mean I’m not close with some of these folks still, it just means we’ve changed.

Gini Dietrich, who is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met online, used to comment here all the time. Today, she’s so inundated in managing her blog, business, book, and everything else that she simply doesn’t have the time to stop by.

JK Allen is a good friend. He used to practically write posts in the comment section of this blog. But his life has since changed and in addition to another little one running around his house, he started a web design company (on top of his 9-5) and business has literally exploded.

John Falchetto is someone I grew up with in this world of blogging. We would talk often about the posts we were writing, our plans on making it big, and any strategy we we could think of to reach our goals.

But these days John is doing amazing things, not in front of a computer, and his priorities have changed. And for John, I couldn’t be happier.

The Digital Circle of Life

I could literally list hundreds of people that have been a part of this community for a period of time and then moved on.

Such is the digital circle of life so many of us are a part of, and in order not to drive yourself crazy, you have to come to understand the ever-changing flow of your audience and readers as well.

Ultimately, all you can do is give the most value you can and let the chips fall as they may.

If someone unsubscribes for your blog or newsletter, let them go. Wish them well. Be grateful for their time.

When I send a newsletter out to my list these days, there are always notifications from people who have unsubscribed. I used to read what these notifications said. Usually they blamed their full inbox, or a career change, or the fact that they didn’t find the content useful.

At first this always bothered me, but eventually, I stopped looking at those emails. Now, as quick as they come in, they get filed away.

Frankly, at this point, it simply doesn’t matter. I do my best and happily accept the actions of others. No fault to them, no fault to me.

They’ve changed, and so have I.

Your Turn

There are so many questions I’d love to ask each of you that made it through this post but I’ll keep it to just this one, and you’re more than welcome to share whatever else is on your mind.

How has your outlook and perspective on readers, subscribers, etc. changed since you started blogging?

I was attending a breakout sesh at Inbound 2012 where you were speaking. You got me soo dang fired up about blogging! Our website has changed dramatically since then. We have a number (not huge, but a number) of blogs there now and I am always excited to post these updates on our social media pages. However, the number of people engaging with these posts isn’t quite paying off yet. How long will it take until I start seeing comments and more sharing?

October 12, 2012 at 3:37 pm

John Falchetto

Ha buddy, Just when you think you got rid of me, 🙂

The thing is you are right we all grow and this means we spend more time on some things and less on others.

Stop reading TSL? Nope not in the play book, I might miss a post or a podcast but I sure as He(double hockey stick) will not be forgetting about this place, too many fond memories attached to it.

This is really what it boils down to, the great memories, the experiences we had online and off.

Keep rocking and crushing it buddy.

October 12, 2012 at 4:03 pm

Ameena Falchetto

Ha, great way to get us lurkers back out the woodwork eh? Great insights here Marcus. Don’t move away from TSL – Stand back but don’t leave it!

It’s funny, when we first met I was blogging about parenting abroad and mainly baby stuff – since then I launched my marketing site which was mainly reactive posts, rants etc … until I went down the creative route and embraced what made me, me and I decided I was all about actionable advice.

Fast forward 12 months from the launch of my marketing site and well, I barely have time to check in on those I use to hang out with – why? Not because I don’t love them (or you) it’s because my blog is a business and your platform isn’t my professional playground. And quite frankly, I don’t have the time anymore.

The shift I predicted a year ago is in full swing – this transition between believing the interwebs are paved with gold and we can make millions in our pyjamas to realising, “oopsie, blog comments, FB likes and RTs don’t bring in the cash and I actually have to take a shower, get dressed and meet people face to face” – crazy that eh?

Loved jumping in later on in on your journey but I have seen huge changes and it’s all rocking. To your success Marcus!

BTW – If I’m not wrong your Brand Identity Visualisation is still spot on 🙂 If we need to put a real face in there let me know, we can always put that little pussy cat in somewhere 🙂

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October 12, 2012 at 5:11 pm

Wade

Marcus, another masterpiece if you ask me!

One way that my viewpoint has changed about my readers since I first started blogging is this: they are the most important part of my blog. I cater to them, give them the best results for the subject matter I am trying to blog about, even if it directs them away from my site!

Content is important, and, as you have already seen, I hold content in high respect. But even higher than that, is the importance level that I hold my readers at. Get rid of scam affiliate articles, waste of time banner ads, & give them things that will actually help them.

I hav found when I show the reader that they are important, it not only builds the integrity of my blog, but they generally come back!

October 12, 2012 at 5:40 pm

Jk Allen

My Man!

Been a minute since I’ve commented here…but you better believe that I read the Lion every 3 days or so! But no longer do I have the time to invest commenting, as I once did for hours each week.

But the effects of The Sales Lion still live on within me. I guide my clients based on principles I learned here (and vetted through my own action).

The reality is…people do change. Life changes. But because you always give me (and the rest of your audience) the BEST, I continue to find TSL to be one of the most rich sources of education online.

Just as soon as a few drop off, a few more will jump on. Makes it the game fun. Keeping winning!

PEACE

October 12, 2012 at 6:16 pm

Jon Loomer

You jerk. I read that headline and I thought you were shutting down. Don’t toy with my emotions, man!

I’m not going anywhere, Marcus. Well, unless you start posting crap. Or unless I get so independently wealthy that the money obscures my eyeballs from reading. Or maybe some other stuff. But you’ve probably got me for a while.

I hear you on the unsubscribes. I’d often take those too personally. It simply wasn’t productive. I invite constructive criticism, but the messages that came with those unsubscribes were rarely of value. So I ignore and do what I do.

Keep doing what you do.

October 12, 2012 at 6:46 pm

Rebecca Livermore

Marcus, I would say this is absolutely true in relationships in general. Have you ever noticed how we have super intense relationships with some people for a period of time and then drift apart? When that happens, it is easy to think that something went wrong — which could be the case, but most often it’s just that as you pointed out, things change. We are all changing and evolving and my season of life today is very different than my season of life was yesterday or will be tomorrow.

There are certain things that are constants for me — faith and family, for example. But even what those look like change. Just “yesterday,” my son was born. Today, I’m cooking a special birthday dinner for his wife. I’m still a mom, but my role isn’t the same as what it used to be, and I’m no longer exchanging potty training tips with other moms in play groups.

Change can be uncomfortable at times, but without it, no growth takes place, and I think it’s important to embrace what today has for me, knowing that tomorrow it will look different.

I don’t plan to quit reading your blog any time soon, though. 😉

October 12, 2012 at 7:35 pm

Eric Pratum

Hey, man.

People fall off for sure, but fwiw, I’m still here and haven’t missed a single post since the beginning 🙂

As it is though, I believe a shift among content creators has been toward responding more in their own blogs rather than in comments. It’s easier because you can control the content and formatting, can be longer form, and often introduce a new idea/new content to your own audience without having to come up with the idea yourself 😉 Not everyone is doing this of course, but I’ve seen it from others, especially those that you might have noticed turned off blog comments in order to encourage it from others, and for my own part, one of the reasons I think I’ve only written one blog post this year under my own name is because I’ve been experimenting with doing the same regularly, but also anonymously.

October 13, 2012 at 9:22 am

Martina

Enjoyed the post, Marcus. I still read your blog, but not as often. For me a few things have changed. School and work have gotten busier. My passions outside of work have come closer to fruition. I have discovered that I can write a little bit too. I have learned from you and others what “sells” and what does not, even when you aren’t selling any products, yet. I have made many friends in the online universe, and have lost a few. This latter has been sobering for many of us, and led to some changes in how we relate to each other. Like yourself, I have seen the world change around me, and I have matured with it. There is always more to learn, to see, to feel and to be… Thanks for your part in it all. Martina

October 13, 2012 at 9:30 am

Enstine Muki@easyretweet.com

Hey Marcus, I found your blog while reading Wade Harman’s blog. Truth is, while some readers are getting more busy and leaving, new visitors are coming on everyday. At least I’m one today.

October 13, 2012 at 9:49 am

Linda

Good afternoon, Mr Sheridan.

I’m afraid I’m one of those you’re stuck with for the foreseeable future. Although I’m fast approaching my blog’s first birthday (12.12.12 – all cards and prezzies gratefully received!), I’ve still a long way to go before I can leave anyone’s side. I may get dumped, but that’s a different matter….

Blog and I are in it for the long haul… let’s make that long, slow haul… but with the useful ideas you put out (and a little help from a very select few other folk) I’m confident we’ll get there. Eventually.

Just got to figure out how to get readers who will help to realise this 🙁

Blog on, Sir – we’re waiting for more!

Kind regards, L

October 13, 2012 at 10:01 am

Barbara

Marcus, as I always say, the only constant in life is change. For some reason this year change seems to be seismic in nature all over the place. I agree with Rebecca, we’re all changing and evolving. I enjoy watching my faves get bigger and bigger in the blogosphere and I’m thrilled mine has grown, too.

I read the posts I feel I can relate to in some way and skim past the others. Not just here…everywhere. We only have so many hours in the day and time is money, which you well know.

I hope you keep on keepin’ on because the blogosphere would be much dimmer without you and your positive energy. b

October 13, 2012 at 10:38 am

Richard Farnhill

I certainly don’t read every post, but you haven’t got to the unsubscribe stage yet!

I’ve always found your blogs very stimulating, and this one is no different. I’m sure my ‘list’ is minuscule in comparison to yours, but I too used to read each unsub email, and wonder where it had all gone wrong. Now, I just get on with the next topic!

Richard

October 13, 2012 at 10:42 am

Danny @ Firepole Marketing

Hey Marcus, great post, and great point – but I think it’s worth noting that if you really make an impression on someone, they often won’t go away, even if they become less active and revert to “lurker” mode.

I’m probably a great example of this (as are several others who have already chimed in above) – I haven’t been so active or present in the comments as I used to be, but I remain subscribed, and read (or at least skim) everything that you put out.

I do it for two reasons:

1. You’re a thought leader in our industry, and even if I don’t have time (or can’t justify the time) to be as actively involved in the community, I still want to know what you’re saying, because I know that some of the best ideas on the web might make their first appearance right here.

2. I have the privilege of considering you a friend, and want to know what’s going on in your world.

I think this second point is very important – those of us who work hard to build real relationships with our audiences can count on much better “stick” rates just because people are invested in what we’re doing on a personal level.

Anyway, this is kind of a long comment to say that even if you don’t hear from me as much, I’m still here – just like Jk and John above (and I can only assume the same is true for Gini as well). 🙂

October 13, 2012 at 10:53 am

Ryan Hanley

Marcus,

Take solace in the fact that though the names may change the community and experience that you create here has only grown stronger…

Yesterday I did a Podcast with Craig McBreen, an amazing thought-leader I met in the comments section of your blog…

He doesn’t comment as much as I know he would like to because his business is doing so well he doesn’t have time… But I’ll have that relationship with him that I created here.

it’s amazing what happens in this community.

Thanks dude

Hanley

October 13, 2012 at 12:51 pm

Andrea H.

Good point Marcus. People change, life changes, the only possible thing to do, here as well everywhere is like you say in the USA “Do your best and hope for the rest”. Once you’ve done what you could do then letting chips fall as they may it’s the only possibility left.

I’m a bit busy in this period and I’m taking a kind of sabbatical to remember that real life doesn’t happen on a pc screen, ask my girlfriend if she doesn’t agree with this. 🙂

That’s why I’m reading posts here and in other places but not commenting as I used to. But probably reduced comments is also due to mobile surfing.

Anyway comments or not your posts are always interesting to read. 😉

October 13, 2012 at 1:27 pm

Jeremy Abel

Hi Marcus,

Whoa- that was a powerful article! It had a self-realization / acceptance tone to it that shows your deep understanding of blogging, relationships, and marketing on the web, and that each has its ups and downs. Naturally, when you see the glass half full, losing a subscriber, commenter, or active community member is just a side-effect of change and growth. As the saying goes, “Some things need to fall apart to make way for greater things…”

What’s so compelling about this blog is the fact that you have such an engaged community.

Ryan makes a phenomenal point above that really resonated with me- even though a participant’s comments are no longer here, the result of their past participation paved the way for new relationships. So while one’s comments may start to diminish, the memories and networking that took place on this site will continue to grow stronger, and the memories will last forever.

Thanks Marcus, keep changing lives.

Jeremy

October 13, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Pat McDaniel

This was a very insightful article Marcus. Good advice for me as I am just starting out building up my blog audience.

I have a pastor friend in a very transient city. His church is constantly adding new people, but the church remains about the same size.

He once told me that he viewed his ministry like a college ministry. People would come… people would go. Average stay was a year or two, then they would take a job in another city, graduate from college, etc. His goal was to add value to their life and point them in the right direction.

It is not all about “monetizing your subscriber base.” I’ve been told that if you provide value to people who stop in to your site, usually the money will take care of itself. Yes, you’ve got to be savvy about the money part but there is more to it than that.

October 13, 2012 at 5:04 pm

Matthew Stock

Was this one directed at me because I haven’t commented recently? I was busy dude. Chillax. McDonalds tastes better when you don’t eat it everyday 🙂

I did have time to listen to your recent podcast. Sounding like Al Gore there blaming your CMW speech haters on the early start time (Gore claimed Obama fell flat b/c of the high altitude in Denver).

My outlook has changed slightly and is constantly evolving. Haven’t blogged on Inbound Storm for a weeks due to traveling but somehow I got more leads then ever. Go figure.

All kidding aside I think the key is to always change things up. Not only for your customers, but for yourself.

October 13, 2012 at 6:35 pm

Ian Altman

Marcus,

You share such amazing content, that your blog is one of a few that I enjoy reading on a regular basis. I used to get cranky when people unsubscribed. I used to laugh that the people who needed it most were the first to drop themselves from the list.

I don’t think I even thought of it the way you mentioned it. My content has changed, my audience has changed, and we will all continue to evolve. I’m still at the point where I get a bit cranky when someone leaves, but it is a fleeting thought. Just when I am about to get really annoyed, someone who dropped will subscribe via another source. So, even when we think they dropped, they didn’t.

Some of my audience gets my content via the Business Journal which also publishes my articles.

You taught a great lesson once (OK – maybe 100 times)… Produce great content, teach your community. When we do that, the right people show up. If we are not providing value to someone, it serves neither of us for them to stick around.

Looking forward to sharing the stage with you in November.

Ian

October 13, 2012 at 10:24 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Hey buddy, great hearing from you and excellent points. Reminds me of the one door closes, another opens saying.

Also, you mentioned I word here I really should have included in the article–evolve.

Yep, that’s really what this is about. The evolution of “me.” And the evolution of all my readers too.

thanks again,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:27 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Dude, did you just drop an Al Gore comparison on TSL??? The Lion has officially thrown you out of the den ;-).

And btw goofball, I wasn’t making excuses on the podcast, just observing…now I’m ready to see your butt get up on stage so I can throw a few jabs 😉

Love ya buddy,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:29 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Pat, absolutely loved the metaphor from your friend the minister. Yeah, it’s a lot like that.

And like you said, we’ve just got to build others up and give value while they’re around.

Appreciate you stopping by Pat,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:31 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Jeremy, you always have such a positive energy with your comments man.

Your point about relationships is a great one. This blog, over these 3 years, has created many, many relationships with other marketers, bloggers, etc…and that has been one of the huge rewards.

Good seeing you my man and have a great Sunday,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:33 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Andrea, great seeing you bud, and I think your comment represents well that “evolution of others” point that I tried to make in this post.

Props to you for mixing it up bud and thanks for all the support,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:36 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Ryan, what’s up bud, that’s awesome about Craig, he’s such a tremendous guy and all around person. He and I had such a good conversation at Blog World months back.

Regarding taking solace, don’t get me wrong, I have seen the fruit from my labors here, no doubt. There have been the relationships, there have been the amazing emails of changed lives (lots these days) and then there has been the financial, which I don’t talk much about but has been amazing this year.

Anyway, you rock brother 🙂

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:40 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Danny, really great points man.

Now that you mention it, I think I should have discussed in the post how many of my friend bloggers/marketers are now getting busier and although they still “consume”, they don’t have the time to comment.

Personally, I share this issue quite a bit, and it appears you and I are similar in that regard—we check out each others stuff but don’t necessarily comment/share/etc.

Anyway, can’t thank you enough for all you do my friend.

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:42 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Richard, so nice of you to stop by and I’m glad you continue to read TSL 🙂

And props to you bud for not letting those unsubscribes bother you either 🙂

cheers,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:45 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Barbara, such kind words, thank you.

Your point about everyone having so many hours, plus combined with how amazingly busy we all are, is a great one. There are so many folks shouting out in the digital realm, trying to get the attention of others. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like in a few more years.

As always, thanks for your support Barbara,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:47 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Linda, you’re so kind to stop by and I’m glad you’ve stuck around.

But more important than that, a huge CONGRATS to you on your first year anniversary. That’s GREAT!!!!

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:48 pm

Marcus Sheridan

And the digital circle of life continues, doesn’t it Enstine. 🙂

Great seeing you sir, much obliged.

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:53 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Martina, wow, what an incredibly kind comment and certainly one that brought me a smile to hear your personal growth. Honestly, hearing stuff like that is easily the best part of what I do 🙂

Best to you,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Eric Pratum, my longest and most faithful supporter. You are a good man sir. 🙂

You make a great point about the shift of so many bloggers. About a year ago, massive commenting was the rage. We’re clearly on the other side of that now and I think folks are starting to see that there is soooo much more than snagging a few extra comments per post.

Thanks for all you do bud,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:01 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Rebecca, GREAT point about this extending beyond the blogosphere. Very true. I think though that many don’t realize that when they get in this crazy game.

BTW, I hope you’re not going anywhere, otherwise I’d be really in a bad way 😉

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:07 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Sorry to scare brother, you certainly don’t have to worry about me shutting down my man. As for publishing crap, yeah, I certainly hope that doesnt happen either!!!

Thanks for all your support my friend,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:09 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Well look who came out of the wood-work 😉

You’re as kind as they come JK. And you’re pretty dang amazing too my friend…I can’t get over how well you’ve done for youself bud.

Appreciate you stopping by,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:12 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Wade, great hearing from you my friend. Love your points about karma and reciprocity man. Yeah, it’s true. With the traffic and ad solicitations I’ve gotten over the last year I could certainly have a lot of “stuff” out there, but up to this point, that’s just not me man.

Can’t thank you enough for your kindness bud,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:15 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Hahaha Ameena, I’ll make a not of that! 😉

Of all the people I’ve met and watched take off and develop in the blogosphere, you’re certainly one of the tops ones Ameena. I love your drive, your boldness, and your willingess to trust your gut over common practice.

Really, you’re quite the example 🙂

Smiles,

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:17 pm

Marcus Sheridan

This comment really made me smile John—when you mention the momories made, yes, we’ve absolutely had a few of those. And hope we have quite a few more…. 😉

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:20 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Zachary, so glad you got fired up my friend. I love hearing that 🙂

As for engagement, that all depends on what you mean. Honestly, in my opinion, people just reading your stuff is “engagement.”

Furthermore, have you been able to rank for any of the kewyord goals you’ve set for the articles?

Just make sure that your focus isn’t so much on “comments” as it is real results–clients!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by Zachary 🙂

Marcus

October 13, 2012 at 11:29 pm

Leon Noone

G’Day Marcus, This sounds like a “Dear John” except that it’s from Marcus! Well mate, some things haven’t changed. For instance, as John Wooden said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

And Mark Twain’s famous reminder, “It’s not what you don’t know that gets you into trouble; it’s what you know for certain that just aint so.”

Plus the one thing that should never change.

Make sure you have fun.

Best Wishes Leon

October 14, 2012 at 12:30 am

Linda

Thank you, Mr Sheridan.

I would invite you to the party, but it’s a bit far to travel just to sit and share a glass of pop with a computer screen. So what I’ll do instead, is go to our local zoo and see Lionel (the lion) and pretend he’s you. How does that sound? L 🙂

And if you say it’s a good idea, I’ll know you’re even dafter them me!

October 14, 2012 at 10:37 am

Mauro D'Andrea

Hi Marcus, this post is an example why I’ll never leave your community: you speak about things that no one speaks about and you are 100% gunuine.

I haven’t commented for a while, like many other people in your old community. This doesn’t mean that we are not reading your stuff anymore. Like you said: people get busy.

I always keep an eye on your blog, because I’m really interested in what you say. If I hadn’t listened to your advices I wouldn’t have make many progress with my business. You won’t get rid of me very soon 🙂

But I am a more passive reader, now. Like me, I think that many people are in the same situation.

October 14, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Wade

Wanted to thank you for coming to my site & commenting too. That means a lot when a person of your caliber can visit the “little guys”. You’re the man!

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October 15, 2012 at 9:49 am

Alison Boyle

Hi Marcus I’m still in the early stages of writing content, but I love your take on this. I had sent out an emailer recently and had a few unsubscribe as a result. At first I felt annoyed and upset, but then like you I thought that’s OK. You’re absolutlely right, people do change (and if they didn’t nothing would change, wouldn’t that be awful). Everyone has to change to grow – that’s life. We just have to learn how to deal with that emotion in business, because after all we shouldn’t bring our emotions into our business – it’s not personal!

Thank you for your posts, I get a lot of inspiration from them – you teach well!

October 15, 2012 at 9:57 am

Kim Peek

Another great post! When my kids were little, I started a personal blog about children’s literature. What amazes me still is the real life friendships that grew out of that blog. Although our lives are in different places than where they were all those years ago, the friendships that grew out of that online community are still strong. (Which is also probably a lesson in HOW to blog… if you’re doing it right, you are making connections and meeting people!)

October 15, 2012 at 5:46 pm

Cornell Green

Hello Marcus,

Let me say this was a great blog post, I enjoy everything I read or listen too on your podcast. For me, finding time for great blogs has never been something I disconnected from, specially considering I’m a creature of habit. I’ve been reading a number of blogs that I love for years, and yours is has been add to that list. I’ve found myself rereading your blog post, and also listening to them through the soundgeko app, that turns any written content to audio. Most of my time is consumed by driving in my company vehicle, so the best way for me to really grab your message is by listening. I know your becoming very busy with your success, and other business commitments. I personnel y love how you respond to questions and comments, it’s really appreciated. You recently responded on facebook to a question I had about becoming a blogger, even though I’m not a writer. Your response truly helped me just forget the self-doubt, and just go for it. Thank for being able to be touch, and providing excellent content. God bless.

October 15, 2012 at 5:48 pm

David Farrell

Marcus,

Firstly, you can thank MJ Gottlieb for the recommendation via Twitter. Whenever I can, I read anything of MJs, or anything he recommends.

As to your question:

How has your outlook and perspective on readers, subscribers, etc. changed since you started blogging?

I was a credited feature-film screenwriter and published author when I started blogging, but I didn’t blog in a self-promotional way; I blogged about my passions: words, literature, language and the female form (erotica). Blogging was just a bit of R&R, and a chance to interact socially with other people into literature, etc.

I attracted more female readers than males, and had to set up an invite-only sub blog (My Harem) for females only, due to what I perceived as envy and jealousy. I have never considered myself a Blogger. From the start, I was a writer who just happened to be using a Blog to write.

Many of my readers/subscribers had their own blogs, and many of them were excellent writers themselves. There were some wonderful, amazing interchanges on our various blogs.

Many other subsrcibers had their own blogs, and were not good writers, and not very nice people. There was a lot of vitriol, angst, venom, smear campaigns, etc. Some of them would re-post my blog pictures of myself and superimpose things like ‘a penis in my mouth’ and write ‘Cocksucker’ etc. Like little kindergarten children, they would band together and all attack together, like the cowards they were.

Today, there are still the same types out there. I just know how to handle them better. My perspective on people is hardly likely to change, just as human nature is definitely not going to change. There will always be the sheep and the goats.

October 16, 2012 at 10:51 am

John Paul

Very nice write Marcus. But I like the “polite” way you called people out haha

I am guilty of falling off.and have a few peoples that have fallen off from my blog.

I think it’s the way of the net.. you ride the waves., you have your ups and downs.

October 16, 2012 at 2:29 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Hey JP, how are ya bud?

I honestly don’t blame anyone for falling off. In fact, often times its’ a good thing. That’s really what I hope people take from this post.

Blogs and people evolve, as they should. 🙂

Marcus

October 16, 2012 at 2:35 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Cornell, such words of kindness, thank you. 🙂

Like you, I love learning while I drive, so that’s an app I might have to try out!

Thanks for all,

Marcus

October 16, 2012 at 2:36 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Really excellent point Kim. Yes, there are relationships that can be certainly built to last within a blog. I’ve seen and felt it many times now, and good for you for having felt the same. 🙂

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Marcus

October 16, 2012 at 2:38 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Alison, great hearing from you and I think many, many people experience exactly what you just said as they see the unsubscribers when they occur.

And isn’t it funny how one unsubscribe can overshadow 50 new subscribers?? 😉

Appreciate your words,

Marcus

October 16, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Marcus Sheridan

The pleasure is all mine Wade. You put a ton into that article and it’s something to be proud of my friend.

And besides, we’re all on the same plain here brother 🙂

Marcus

October 17, 2012 at 9:42 am

John Paul

Marcus

I agree 100% With so many great blogs out here today, it’s hard to stay up on all of them.

But a reminder that you are “still here” never hurt anyone 🙂

October 17, 2012 at 11:28 am

Marcus Sheridan

Well said JP 😉

October 19, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Felicity Fields

Hi Marcus,

Funny you should write this, cause I was just thinking about this in terms of some real-life friends that I haven’t seen or spoken to in a long time.

But they’re never far away – they’re part of the great memories of what makes me who I am, and I can “lurk” in their lives on Facebook, so we’re still connected.

I’m hazarding a guess that blog readers/subscribers/commenters are much the same way.

I, for one, enjoy your emails and look forward to opening my inbox when you right. Of course, I’m a sucker for a killer smile . . .

Felicity

October 19, 2012 at 7:25 pm

Marcus Sheridan

Hahaha, well I wasn’t previously aware of this “killer smile” Felicity, I’m going to have to go to the mirror and check on that 😉

Thanks so much for your kind words and stopping by,

Marcus

October 31, 2012 at 3:07 am

Matthew

People change with time. They realize what interests them the most or what is the most lucrative option. They go through a self development phase and learn from competitive bloggers and other sources. Their perspective changes with research and study and some of them might just feel like changing the whole stream all together. Great post! Thank you 🙂